Adaptable user interface for monitoring location tracking devices out of gps monitoring range

ABSTRACT

A system for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system, a monitoring station is remotely accessible through a user interface. The interface is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device comprises a first transceiver adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of the first identification code.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of and claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/048,395, filed on Jan. 26, 2005,entitled “System for Locating Individuals and Objects” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of communications systemsthat provide location information. More particularly, the presentinvention relates in one embodiment to a system for monitoring locationinformation of a tracking unit associated with an individual or objectthat uses wireless data transfer and/or wireless location and trackingsystems and wireless communication system (WCS).

2. Description of Related Technology

In conventional communication systems, location information ofindividuals may be monitored. For instance, location information such aspositional coordinates may be tracked or monitored for a variety ofindividuals, such as children, Alzheimer's syndrome patients, ormentally ill persons. Furthermore, location information for animals,such as cats and dogs, may be tracked using these conventional systemsto locate a lost or stolen animal. In other conventional communicationsystems, scientists, such as zoologists, track, for example, wildanimals to study and collect data related to their mating and/ornocturnal behavioral patterns.

In addition, objects are also tracked or located that use these systems.For example, merchants choose to track the location of goods as part ofan inventory function and/or an anti-theft mode. In another example,police often use location-tracking systems to facilitate recovery ofstolen automobiles, such as the LoJack™ vehicle recovery system offeredby the LoJack Corporation of Westwood, Mass., in the United States.Automobile rental agencies often track a location of automobiles thatcustomers rent to ensure their automobile is maintained within acontracted rental use boundary. Other location systems provided inselect automobiles assist a driver navigating to a desired destination,such as the OnStar™ system offered by the OnStar Corporation of Detroit,Mich., in the United States.

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology may be incorporated in theseconventional communication systems. GPS technology determines positionalinformation of a GPS receiver based on measuring signal transfer timesbetween satellites having known positions and the GPS receiver. Thesignal transfer time of a signal is proportional to a distance of arespective satellite from the GPS receiver. Consequently, the distancebetween the satellite and the GPS receiver can be converted, utilizingsignal propagation velocity, into a respective signal transfer time. Thepositional information of the GPS receiver is calculated based ondistance calculations from at least four satellites.

As such, GPS technology provides outdoor, line-of-sight communicationbetween a GPS receiver and a centralized station within areas that areunobstructed by fabricated structures and natural features. Fabricatedstructures may include multi-story buildings, bridges, dams, and thelike. Natural features include mountains, hills, valleys, canyons,cliffs, and the like. Exemplary products, such as Wherifone™ andGuardian Lion™, use GPS technology to track individuals and/or objectsfrom a centralized monitoring station.

A graphical map may be provided with a conventional centralizedmonitoring station. For instance, the graphical map may be twodimensional, or even a three-dimensional, topological map that depictslandscaping, marine, or other environments. The map typically displaysrepresentative icons of individuals and/or objects being tracked. In oneexample, a mobile device may display the three-dimensional map,including primary regions and sub-regions that are pre-programmed tocreate a series of overlay maps for viewing on a computer display. Inyet another example, map information of a first and second user terminalis synthesized; a map is chosen based on the map information from thedatabase; and the map information is displayed on at least one of thefirst user and the second user terminal. In another GPS conventionalcommunication example, GPS positioning information is transmitted from aGPS unit and between peripheral devices, such as between a camera and aPalm Pilot, through a local wireless communication unit or interface.

GPS systems generally representative of the above apparatuses include,e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,064,711 to Strickland et al.entitled “Method for Iterative Determination of Distance betweenReceiving Station and Transmitting Station and Also Calculating Unit andComputer Software Product” issued Jun. 20, 2006. In yet another example,U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,244 to Akimov issued on Jun. 20, 2006, and entitled“Method for Mapping a Three Dimensional Area” demonstrates the above GPSsystems.

Still other representative prior art patents include U.S. Pat. No.7,065,370 to Ogaki et al. entitled “Positioning Information TransmittingDevice and Positioning Information Transmitting/Receiving System” issuedon Jun. 20, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,348 to Aoki entitled“Communication System for Providing Information on Position ofCommunication Party” Also issued on Jun. 20, 2006.

In summary, the prior art provides a user limited flexibility to adjusta controlled monitoring area about an object. In addition, the prior artprovides limited flexibility for a user choosing and creating custommaps for viewing and locating objects. Furthermore, the prior art haslimited capability for viewing objects by a remotely located user.Finally, the prior art has limited ability calculating positional dataof objects when GPS signaling is not available.

Thus, what is needed are apparatus and methods for wireless datatransfer and/or wireless location and tracking systems that provideadditional advantages over conventional systems. These advantages wouldinclude, inter alia, calculating positional data and locationcoordinates of tracking devices when GPS signaling is unavailable,providing graphical displays for subscribers which aid monitoring andtracking objects and/or individuals, and/or providing security measureswhen monitoring tracking devices to prevent unauthorized detection andspying on individuals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention, a system for tracking isdisclosed. In one embodiment of this system, a monitoring station isremotely accessed through a user interface. The interface is adapted toprovide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful forselecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a firstrequest signal to provide location coordinates of a first trackingdevice. The first tracking device includes a first transceiver adaptedto receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first replysignal that comprises a first identification code. A second trackingdevice is also provided having a second transceiver that is adapted toreceive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code toa stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring stationa second reply signal. The second reply signal includes locationcoordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive toverification of the first identification code.

In a second aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed comprising afirst and a second tracking device. In one embodiment, the firsttracking device has a first transceiver to receive a first requestsignal and to transmit a first reply signal. The first reply signalcomprises first location data, a first microprocessor to process a firstrequest signal provided through a subscriber interface that is remotelylocated, and a first identification code that is communicated as part ofa first reply signal. In addition, a second tracking device has a secondtracking transceiver that receives the first reply signal, and verifiesthe first identification code as a recognized code. In response toverification, the second tracking device communicates a second replysignal that comprises a second identification code to the first trackingdevice. In response to the second reply signal, the first trackingdevice calculates a relative distance between the first and the seconddevices. Furthermore, the first tracking device communicates anadjustment signal that comprises verbal or audio queues that indicatedirectional information of the first tracking device in relation to thesecond tracking device.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed forlocating an individual or an object. In one embodiment, the methodincludes receiving a location request from a user and activating apositioning apparatus associated with the tracking device. The methodfurther includes transmitting to a tracking device: a first signal froma monitoring station, a second signal from a wireless location andtracking system, a third signal from a mobile transceiver, and a fourthsignal from an adjacent tracking device. The method further includesdetermining which of the first signal, the second signal, the thirdsignal, and the fourth signal match defined selection criteria that isstored in the tracking device. The method may further include the stepsof determining location data in part based on a signal selectedutilizing the defined selection criteria, transmitting the location datato the monitoring station for analysis to determine a location of thetracking device; and informing the user of the location of the trackingdevice on a map.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a system for tracking object isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a wireless monitoringdevice associated with a remote user, and a first tracking device thatprovides a wireless positioning signal to a monitoring station. Amapping apparatus is further included that maps first locationcoordinates of the first tracking device on a map comprising anarbitrarily shaped safe zone. The remote user, in one embodiment, iscapable of locating, tracking, and communicating with the first trackingdevice through a monitoring station. Furthermore, the monitoring stationmay be adapted to monitor the first location coordinates and secondlocation coordinates of a second tracking device so that positioninginformation of each is accessible to the remote user.

These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of thepresent invention will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following description of the invention and referenceddrawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, andfeatures of the invention are realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are graphical representations of a positioning andtracking system for defining an area (e.g., arbitrary shaped safe zone)in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are graphical representations of a positioningand tracking system for a second tracking device utilized to findlocation coordinates of a first tracking device in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a positioning and trackingsystem utilizing a wireless communication system to determine locationcoordinates for the first tracking device in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a positioning and trackingsystem 700 for locating a first tracking device 402 using other user'stracking devices.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the first tracking device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B are a logical flow diagrams illustrating one exemplaryembodiment of a method for locating an individual or an object inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A, 7B are logical flow diagrams illustrating another exemplaryembodiment of a method for locating an individual or an object inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the terms “location coordinates” refer withoutlimitation to any set or partial set of integer, real and/or complexlocation data or information such as longitudinal, latitudinal, andelevational positional coordinates. The terms “tracking device” refersto without limitation to any integrated circuit (IC), chip, chip set,system-on-a-chip, microwave integrated circuit (MIC), MonolithicMicrowave Integrated Circuit (MMIC), low noise amplifier, poweramplifier, transceiver, receiver, transmitter and Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC) that may be constructed and/or fabricated. Thechip or IC may be constructed (“fabricated”) on a small rectangle (a“die”) cut from, for example, a Silicon (or special applications,Sapphire), Gallium Arsenide, or Indium Phosphide wafer. The IC may beclassified, for example, into analogue, digital, or hybrid (bothanalogue and digital on the same chip and/or analog-to-digitalconverter). Digital integrated circuits may contain anything from one tomillions of logic gates, invertors, and, or, nand, and nor gates,flipflops, multiplexors, etc. on a few square millimeters. The smallsize of these circuits allows high speed, low power dissipation, andreduced manufacturing cost compared with board-level integration.

Furthermore, the terms “wireless data transfer,” “wireless tracking andlocation system;” “positioning system,” and “wireless positioningsystem” refer without limitation to any wireless system that transfersand/or determines location coordinates using one or more devices, suchas Global Positioning System (GPS). The terms “Global PositioningSystem” refers to without limitation any services, methods, or devicesthat utilize GPS technology that determine a position of a GPS receiverbased on measuring signal transfer times between satellites having knownpositions and the GPS receiver. The signal transfer time for a signal isproportional to a distance of the respective satellite from the GPSreceiver. The distance between the satellite and the GPS receiver may beconverted, utilizing signal propagation velocity, into the respectivesignal transfer time. The positional information of the GPS receiver iscalculated based on distance calculations from at least four satellites.Furthermore, the term “wireless communication system” refers to anysystem that uses communication stations and a wireless location meansfor determining positional coordinates such as Global Positioning RadioService (GPRS).

Overview

In one salient aspect, the present invention discloses apparatus andmethod of calculating, inter alia, determining location coordinates of afirst tracking device. In particular, the first tracking device has afirst transceiver. The first transceiver receives a first request signalfrom a remote user terminal equipped with a map. The first transceivertransmits a first reply signal including a first identification code.The second tracking device has a second transceiver. The secondtransceiver advantageously provides for receiving the first reply signaland comparing the first identification code to a stored identificationcode. Upon verification of the first identification code, the secondtransceiver calculates the location coordinates of the first trackingdevice without the need for the first tracking device directlyconnecting to GPS satellites. The second transceiver communicates asecond reply signal to the monitoring station. The second reply signalcomprises the location coordinates.

Broadly, the present invention generally provides a system and methodfor locating and tracking an individual or an object. The systemproduced according to the present invention may find beneficial use forlocating and tracking people, such as missing, lost, or abductedpersons, Alzheimer's syndrome patients, or mentally ill persons. Thesystem may also be useful for locating and tracking animals.Additionally, objects, such as vehicles, goods, and merchandise may belocated and tracked with the system produced by the present invention.Although the following discussion may use lost or abducted child as anexemplary demonstration, it is to be understood that this discussion isnot limiting and that the present invention may be used in othersuitable applications.

The present invention may be used to locate and track a tracking devicethat is concealed on an individual (such as in a pocket, backpack, shoe,button, shirt collar, woven into fabric of a jacket or sweater, or thelike). Consequently, in the event of abduction, an abductor is unlikelyto remove and discard a concealed tracking device as compared toconventional tracking devices that are conspicuously displayed. Forexample, conventional tracking devices are generally incorporated aspart of a conspicuous device, such as with or part of a mobile phone,pager, personal data assistant, or any other recognizable electronicdevice.

Additionally, conventional systems depend upon maintaining directoutdoor line-of-sight communication between a global positioning system(GPS) satellite and a tracked object. The system of the presentinvention does not require direct line-of-sight and the systemeffectively locates and tracks individuals and objects in indoorsituations.

Conventional systems often require an individual to activate manually alocation system before signals can be received and transmitted betweenthe individual and a person attempting to locate the individual.However, in one embodiment, the system of the present invention may bepassive in that a user may remotely activate the tracking device,instead of the tracking device remaining constantly on, once the userattempts to locate the tracking device. In one embodiment of theinvention, no action is required on the behalf of an individual havingthe tracking device being located and tracked. In yet another instance,one or more tracking devices may be remotely activated to monitor anddetermine location coordinates (or relative distance from a secondtracking device) of a first tracking device. In yet another instance, afirst tracking device, and a second tracking device are remotelymonitored by a user using a wireless device, such as a cell phone,utilizing a monitoring station.

Exemplary Extension Apparatus

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, exemplary embodiments of the tracking andmonitoring system of the invention are described in detail. It will beappreciated that while described primarily in the context of trackingindividuals or objects, at least portions of the apparatus and methodsdescribed herein may be used in other applications, such as for exampleand without limitation. Some applications include control systems thatmonitor components such as transducers, sensors, and electrical and/oroptical components within an assembly line process.

Moreover, it will be recognized that the present invention may findutility beyond purely tracking and monitoring concerns. For example, the“tracking device” and “user-defined mapping criteria” describedsubsequently herein may conceivably be utilized to improve otherapplications; e.g., increasing functionality and electrical propertiesof circuits utilized to improve computational efficiency and increaseaccuracy of calculated quantities. The calculated quantities may includevelocity of objects traveling through an assembly line process fordetermining which portions of the process are running efficiently andwhich portions may require process improvements or modifications. Otherfunctions might include module assembly (e.g., for purposes of providingtransceivers that provide multiple methods and user choices fordisplaying electrical properties and measurement parameters duringtesting and/or operations before, during or after wireless modulecompletion, and so forth). Myriad of other functions will be recognizedby those of ordinary skill in the art given the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a positioning and tracking system 400 fordefining an arbitrary shaped safe zone. 405 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1A, an image selection tool 401, e.g., screen pointer,is utilized to select a visually cognizable rendering of an area, e.g.,selecting at least a portion of an area, on a subscriber interface 403,e.g., a web-based interface. The area selected by the image selectiontool 401, for example, may be a safe zone 405. The safe zone 405 is anarea that a user (a subscriber) specifies as a low injury risk area forindividuals and/or objects. The safe zone 405 defined or described isspecified utilizing one or more parameters. For instance, the safe zone405, e.g., a home zone, may be specified, e.g., be establish by auser-defined mapping criteria using any of the following parameters: zipcode boundaries, addresses, landmarks, buildings, mountain ranges, aWiFi hot spot, and distances from a specified location, such as onechosen by a subscriber. Upon the first tracking device 402 possessed byan individual traveling more than one mile from the safe zone 405, analarm alert is sent to a user. In yet another example, an alarm is sentwhen the first tracking device 402 travels outside of a circularlyshaped boundary 421 about a location 423, such as a WiFi network locatedin a coffee shop or “WiFi hot spot” designed area, within the safe zone405.

Furthermore, the system 400 allows a user to draw an area such as a safezone 405, which may be an arbitrary shaped zone, e.g., a closed shapeduser-defined polygon or a circle. For instance, a parent and/orscoutmaster may enter the safe zone 405 that encompasses a smallneighborhood 408, a school campus 425, a stadium 430, a national park435, or the like, and excludes other areas such as an automobile repairshop 440, warehouse 445, and high automobile traffic areas 446. Upon achild having the first tracking device 402 leaving the user-definedpolygon region, e.g., the safe zone 405, an alert such as an audiblealarm will be sent to a parent or guardian of the child.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the system 400 attempts to contact individuals on anotification list 408 if the child enters a danger zone, such as ariverbed 447. The notification list 408 may be prepared in asubscriber-defined order. For instance, if a user 504, such as one ofthe parents, is first on the notification list 408, the system 400communicates a message to the user 504 using email, SMS, voicemail, andtelephone call. In one optional feature, an individual on thenotification list 408 is required to confirm receipt of the message.Otherwise, the system 400 continues to contact other individuals on thenotification list 408 until it receives a confirmation message from thatindividual. In another embodiment, the system 400 is time limited sothat monitoring may be enabled or disabled based on or in response touser-defined features. Such user-defined features may include enablingor disabling monitoring during a specific time of day or day of theweek.

For instance, the tracking features may be shut off on Saturday orSunday or when the child is located in the home. In one variation of thepresent embodiment, multiple individuals or subscribers may establish(or share (e.g., pool) existing or newly established) user-definedfeatures; including safe zones or periods, which may apply to one ormultiple tracking devices, such a first and second tracking devices 402,410. The pooling of subscriber's tracking devices provides an addedbenefit including synergy and sharing of electronic data so that onetracking device can benefit from electronics and/or positional locationof other tracking devices. For example, a low signal level trackingdevice can utilize a nearby tracking device, such as one owned byanother subscriber, to triangulate their signal to a satellite of awireless tracking and location system, such as GPS satellite system. Inyet another example, a low signal level-tracking device can utilizelocation coordinates of a nearby tracking device as its own so that auser 405 can determine an approximate location of the low level-trackingdevice.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D illustrate a positioning and tracking system500 for locating the first tracking device 402. Referring to FIG. 2A,the first tracking device 402 may optionally be hidden in a remotelocation, camouflaged, and/or incorporated as part of the individual'sclothing and/or object and/or object packaging. In one exemplaryinstance, the first tracking device 402 is located inside a button of asweater of the individual being tracked. The first tracking device 402may be, in a variation of the present embodiment, pre-programmed with anidentification code (e.g., a first identification code). Theidentification code, in one embodiment, uniquely identifies the firsttracking device 402 and prevents unauthorized individuals accessing thefirst tracking device 402. The first tracking device 402 may beactivated by an individual possessing the first tracking device 402. Inone alternative, the device 402 can be remotely activated by a user 504,a monitoring station 506, a nearby base station 508, and/or a secondtracking device 410. The system 500 may transmit the user'sidentification code (a second identification code) to the first trackingdevice 402, which user's identification code prevents unauthorizedaccess to the first tracking device 402 to reduce the possibility ofunauthorized device monitoring.

In one embodiment, the monitoring station 506 receives a locationrequest and user's identification code from the user 504. Afterwards,the monitoring station 506 transmits a signal that includes the user'sidentification code. The location request may be from the user 504 forlocation data associated with the first tracking device 402. When theuser 504 seeks to locate and track an object, such as a first trackingdevice 402, the user 504 may issue the location request to themonitoring station 506 using a communication device 516, such as acellular phone or Personal Communications System (PCS) telephone. Inother embodiments, the device 516 may be any of the following: aland-based telephone (“landline”), a computer connected to the Internet,a personal digital assistant, a radio, a pager, hand delivery, or thelike. The user 504 may provide the monitoring station 506 with theuser's identification code to prevent unauthorized tracking. In oneexample, the second tracking device 410 utilized by the user 504determines location coordinates of the first tracking device 402, inthis example, that is also owned by the user 504.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the second tracking device 410 receives a signal ofa designated signal strength that includes the user's identificationcode. The second tracking device 410 is disposed on a second individual511, such as a second child. The second tracking device 410 may beconcealed and secured, e.g., sewn, glued, or taped, into a portion ofthe clothing 512 if desired. For instance, the second tracking devicemay be part of or concealed within a button, sweater, shirt, pocket,sleeve, or the like. In another alternative, the second tracking device410 may be incorporated and concealed as part of the second individual'sbelongings 514, such as wallet, pen, pencil, tape recorder, or the like.

The second tracking device 410 compares a stored identification codewith the user's identification code. If the identification codes match,e.g., are verified, then the second tracking device 410 requestsinformation from the first tracking device 402. The second trackingdevice 410, in this example, requests information, such as last known orlast location coordinates (such as longitudal, latitudinal andelevational position, an address, a nearby landmark and the like) fromthe first tracking device 402. For instance, data or positionalinformation is determined using a wireless location and tracking system,such as GPS satellite system.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the second tracking device 410 sends a positioningsignal to the first tracking device 402. Afterwards, the first trackingdevice 402 sends a return positioning signal. Continuing with thisexample, at the second tracking device 410, a phase difference and/ortime delay signal is generated between the positioning signal and thereturn positioning signal. The phase difference and/or the time delay isconverted to a delta distance between the tracking devices 402, 410utilizing a propagation velocity of the signaling area, for example air.The second tracking device 410 communicates the delta distance andtracking data of the second tracking device 410. The delta distance andthe tracking data are utilized to calculate the location coordinates,e.g., last known location or present location coordinates, of the firsttracking device 402. Afterwards, the location coordinates of the firsttracking device 402 are communicated by the second tracking device 410to any or all the following: the user 504, the nearby base station 508,and monitoring station 506.

For calculating a velocity or relative change in velocity of the firsttracking device 402, the relative distance, as discussed above, iscalculated for multiple periods, e.g., at discrete or sequential timeintervals. Distance calculations at various time intervals are utilizedto determine rate of change of the tracking device 402. The rate ofchange, in this example, directly relates to a velocity or a relativevelocity that the first tracking device 402 is moving relative to thesecond tracking device 410. In the alternative, the first trackingdevice 402 may be measured relative to another designated stationary,moving object, a tree, landmark, or WiFi network, such as one from at alocal coffee shop. In one embodiment, a warning signal, which mayconsist of an audio response or a light display, such as pulsing lightarray, would result if the first tracking device 402 has a calculatedvelocity faster than a subscriber, e.g., user 504, set limit. Forexample, upon a child possessing the first tracking device 402 beingdetected traveling more than 60 mph, e.g., above a 55 mph limit set bythe subscriber, a warning signal, such an electrical stimulation, light,sound, or the like, will be sent. The warning signal is sent to at leastone of a subscriber, e.g., such as user 504 to indicate their child mayhave been abducted or driving an automobile faster than 55 mph, or tothe child, e.g., that warns a teenager to stop driving so fast.Furthermore, the warning signal provides an audible measure of the firsttracking device 402 traveling further away or closer to the secondtracking device 410 without the need for the subscriber interface (asdescribed in FIGS. 1A, 1B) to monitor the first tracking device 402.

In one variation of this embodiment, the first tracking device 402 orthe second tracking device 410 may have a compass 472, 473 respectivelyand, in one optional step, provide a warning signal to a user 504 or anindividual possessing the tracking device 402. In one application, afirst boy scout has the first tracking device 402 and a scoutmaster hasthe second tracking device 410 so that each may determine a relativedirection (and or relative movement) from each other where GPS is notavailable. Furthermore, the compasses 472, 473 provide discrete andprivate directional information so the second tracking device 410 maylocate another tracking device, e.g., a first tracking device 402,without supervision and/or support of a user 504 and/or the monitoringstation 506.

In the above example, the second tracking device 410 utilizes thelocation information stored in the first tracking device 402 when thefirst tracking device is out-of-range of GPS positioning satellites.Consequently, positional information and/or coordinates of the firsttracking device 402 may be advantageously measured even when the firsttracking device 402 is out of range (or RF shielded from), for example,of a minimum number of required GPS satellites. In yet anotherembodiment, additional tracking devices, a third tracking device 516 anda fourth tracking device 518, may be provided. These additional trackingdevices provide additional relative distance measurements from the firsttracking device 402. Consequently, these additional devices utilized aspart of triangulation distance calculations may potentially increaseaccuracy of location coordinates of the first tracking device 402.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a first mobile transceiver station 509communicates between the first tracking device 402 and the monitoringstation 506. A second mobile transceiver station 507 communicatesbetween the first tracking device 402 and the monitoring system 506. Themonitoring station 506 remotely accesses the first tracking device 402through a subscriber interface, such as subscriber interface 403 inFIGS. 2A and 2B. The subscriber interface 403 (shown in FIG. 1A)provides a screen pointer tool 401 to the subscriber (user) 504 forselecting an arbitrary shaped zone, e.g., the safe zone 405, on a map409. Using the subscriber interface 403, the subscriber 504 communicatesa first request for position coordinates of a first tracking device 402.Furthermore, the first tracking device 402 has a first transceiver,e.g., including a signal receiver 801 and a signal transmitter 815 shownin FIG. 5, to receive the first request signal and to transmit a firstreply signal that comprises a first identification code. The firsttracking device 402 receives a second identification code from amonitoring station 506 and compares this code to a stored identificationcode.

In this same embodiment, upon determining that the second identificationsignal code matches the stored identification code, the signaltransmitter 815 (see FIG. 5) transmits its last position coordinates tothe monitoring station 506. In one variation of this embodiment, lowsignal detection circuitry monitors received signal strength of apositioning signal. Upon the low signal detection circuitry 832 (seeFIG. 5) determining received signal strength, such as when thepositioning signal, e.g., global positioning signal, is detected above adefined level, the first tracking device 402 switches to a wirelesslocation and tracking mode, e.g., GPS mode, receives positioning signalcoordinates, and stores these coordinates as its current positioncoordinates.

In this example, the user 504 provides the location request to themonitoring station 506 by at least one of a telephone communication andan electronic message via Internet 532. The monitoring station 506provides, in one example, the position signal to the user 504 as anelectronic message over the Internet 532. In another alternative, themonitoring station 506 may provide the position signal to the user 504as a voice message when the user 504 provides the location request by atelephone communication.

The location request and any response from the monitoring station 506may be sent to a server 520. The server 520 may be used in cooperationwith the monitoring station 506 for verifying information transmittedand received between the user 504 and the monitoring station 506. Themonitoring station 506 may include a database 557 for storing the user'sidentification code sent by the user 504. The monitoring station 506 maycompare the user's identification code received with the locationrequest to the stored identification code in the database to determineif the user's identification code (received from the user 504 with thelocation request) is valid. In these embodiments, the systems 500, 505,513, and 514 may communicate in data format only; therefore, the systems500, 505, 508, and 510 will not compete for costly voice spectrumresources. Consequently, the present invention does not require the useof a mobile identification number (MIN). The identification codes (firstidentification code and second identification code) may comprise anelectronic serial number (ESN).

Referring to FIG. 2C, the first tracking device 402 travels withindirect-line of sight of a wireless data transfer and or wirelesslocation and tracking system. One exemplary example, the wireless datatransfer and/or wireless location and tracking system is GlobalPositioning System (GPS). GPS satellites, for example 524 a-d, calculatelocation data (such as a longitudinal, latitudinal, and elevationposition, an address, a nearby landmark, and the like) of the firsttracking device 402. The time it takes a global positioning systemsignal from a GPS satellite 524 a-d to reach the first tracking device402 is utilized to calculate the distance from the GPS satellite 524 a-dto the first tracking device 402. Using measurements from multiple GPSsatellites (e.g., four GPS satellites 524 a-d), the system 513triangulates a location for the first tracking device 402. Triangulationprovides latitude and longitude information by comparing themeasurements from the multiple GPS satellites 524 a-d to the firsttracking device 402. The measurements may include distances between twoor more GPS satellites 524 a-d and relative orientations of the GPSsatellites 524 a-d to the tracking device 402 and the earth. In thisembodiment, the location 470 of the first tracking device 402 is, forexample, updated, on any of the following update schedules: acontinuous, automatic, periodic, and/or upon user request. When the user504 requests a communication update, the location 407 is communicated tothe monitoring station 506.

At the monitoring station 506, the location 470, in one embodiment, isstored. Upon a user 504 requesting the location 470 of the firsttracking device 402 on their wireless device, e.g., the cell phone 516or the like, the location 470 is displayed on a user-defined map, suchas shown at map 409 in FIG. 1A. Furthermore, the monitoring station 506may track also the second tracking device 410 on the display 400 (shownin FIG. 1). As such, location coordinate measurements and warnings ofthe first tracking device 402 and the second tracking device 410 may becoordinated, monitored, and/or tracked, including relative distancesbetween the devices 402, 410. The user 504 may remotely monitor thedevices 402, 410 using the cell phone 516.

In contrast, conventional monitoring systems had limited capability ofmonitoring multiple tracking devices, such as requiring a centralizedmonitoring station, limited remote access to tracking device informationfor users, and limited mapping capabilities. In the present invention,the monitoring device 506 and the cell phone 516 allow multiple trackingdevices, such as 402, 410, to be remotely monitored, coordinated anddistance within or from a safe zone calculated, even when not within aline-of-sight of a wireless location and tracking system. Furthermore, auser 504 defines the safe zone 405, as shown in FIG. 1A, which optionincreases display monitoring accuracy by providing precise boundariesfor safe and unsafe zones and displaying the first and second trackingdevices either inside or outside the boundary.

Referring to FIG. 2D, another wireless data transfer, and wirelesslocation and tracking system is disclosed. This system includes a firsttransmitter/receiver station 530, e.g., a base station, forcommunicating between the first tracking device 402 and monitoringstation 506. The first transmitter/receiver station 530 may be connectedto a wireless network operator (not shown) and a public switchedtelephone network (PSTN) 531. A user's identification code may be sentwithin a signal to the first transmitter/receiver station 530. Thesignal may then be sent from the first transmitter/receiver station 530to the tracking device 402. In the system 514, a secondtransmitter/receiver station 535 may be utilized to locate and track thefirst tracking device 402. The second transmitter/receiver station 535,in this example, communicates location coordinates between the firsttracking device 402, the second tracking device 410, and the monitoringstation 506. By triangulating positional coordinates between and amongthe first and second stations 530, 535 of the first tracking device 402,similar to discussions associated with FIGS. 2 a-d and FIG. 3, locationcoordinates of the first tracking device 402 are computed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a positioning and tracking system utilizing awireless communication system to determine location coordinates for thefirst tracking device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In this example, the wireless communication system (WCS) isGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS). General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)signals locate and track the first tracking device 402. GPRS is anon-voice service that allows information to be sent and received acrossa mobile telephone network. GPRS may supplement Circuit Switched Data(CSD) and Short Message Service (SMS). In yet another exemplary wirelessdata transfer and/or wireless location and tracking system, upon thefirst tracking device 402 not being accessible by GPS or othercommunication means, a plurality of transmitter/receiver stations may beutilized. For example, the first transmitter/receiver station 602, e.g.,a mobile base station, and the second transmitter/receiver station 603,e.g., a mobile base station, may be deployed. These stations 602, 603send location coordinates of the first tracking device 402 through thesecond tracking device 410 and the monitoring station 506. The firsttransmitter/receiver station 602 communicates with the second trackingdevice 210 with Signal #1. The second transmitter/receiver station 603communicates with the second tracking device 410 with Signal #2. In thissame example, Signal #3 may serve to communicate between the firsttransmitter/receiver station 602 and the second transmitter/receiverstation 603.

By triangulating the location of the second tracking device 410, alocation may be determined for the second tracking device 410.Following, a relative distance, as discussed above in FIGS. 2 a-d, isdetermined between the second and the first tracking devices 410, 402.Afterwards, the location coordinates of the first tracking device 402are obtained using the location of the second tracking device 410 and adelta distance, e.g., relative distance, of the first tracking device402 from the second tracking device 410.

The tracking device 402 may be associated with an object, such as anautomobile 620. By placing the first tracking device 402 anywhere withinor on the automobile 640, the system 600 may locate and track theautomobile 640. Likewise, the system 600 may be used for locating andtracking an individual. The individual, such as a child, may be locatedand tracked when the individual, such as shown in FIGS. 2 a-d, possessesthe first tracking device 402. For example, the individual (similar tothe individual in FIG. 2 for the second tracking device 410) may carrythe first tracking device 402 in a pocket in the individual's clothing,in a backpack, wallet, purse, a shoe, or any other convenient way ofcarrying. As described above, locating and tracking the individual maybe accomplished through use of a Signal #1 and #2.

It is to be understood that although the automobile 640 and theindividual are herein used to exemplify locating and tracking, thesystem 600 may be used to locate and track many other objects, inanimate(such as merchandise or any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, etc.) and animate(such as pets, domesticated animals, or wild animals).

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a positioning and tracking system 700 forlocating a first tracking device 402 using other user's trackingdevices. In one variation of FIG. 1, a user 504 may receive permissionor previously have received permission to utilize the tracking device735. In this example, the tracking device 735 is owned by another user.When the tracking device 735 is located within a communication range ofthe first tracking device 402, the user 504 may request its use byproviding a proper identification number. In yet another variation,groups of users, such as owners of tracking devices 730, 735, 740, and745, etc. may pool their resources so that any of these devices areavailable to others in the group.

In other words, the group of owners for 730, 735, 740, and 745 mayutilize other users tracking devices, e.g., like those near a desireddevice to track. In one alternative embodiment, each of the group ofowners shares security codes. In this alternative embodiment, each ownerof the group has permission to limit usage of their tracking device toothers of group members (as well as others outside of the group ofusers). Furthermore, each of the tracking devices 730, 735, 740, and 745may have one or more communication channels, such as A, B, C, D, etc . .. . Consequently, multiple users of the group may utilize differentchannels on the same tracking device(s) to determine locationcoordinates in a substantially simultaneous and/or sequential manner foreach of their tracking devices during a specified period (for exampleone specified by a subscriber). For instance, the tracking device 730may have four communication channels, e.g., A, B, C (not shown), D (notshown), where A is utilized to track the first tracking device 402 and Bis utilized to track the second tracking device 410 during asubstantially similar period.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the first tracking device 402 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking device 402 maycomprise a signal receiver 801 for receiving a signal from themonitoring station 506 (shown in FIG. 2). The signal may include theuser's identification code (second identification code), sent by theuser 504 (shown in FIG. 2). The first tracking device 402 may comprise amicroprocessor/logic circuit 810. The microprocessor/logic circuit 810may store a first identification code to produce a stored identificationcode, determine a location of the first tracking device 402, andgenerate a position signal that contains location data (such as alongitudinal, latitudinal, and elevational position, an address, anearby landmark, and the like) for the tracking device 402.

The tracking device 402 may further comprise an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM) 807 for storing operating software for themicroprocessor/logic circuit 810. A positioning system logic circuit 812may be used for calculating location data (such as a longitudinal,latitudinal, and elevational position, an address, a nearby landmark,and the like) for the first tracking device 402 to be sent to themicroprocessor/logic circuit 810 and subsequent transmission to themonitoring station 506 (shown in FIG. 2).

The tracking device 402 may comprise a signal transmitter 815. In oneembodiment of the invention, a single transceiver may be substituted forthe signal transmitter 801 and the signal transmitter 815. An antenna817 may be connected to the signal transmitter 815 and an antenna 817may be connected to the signal receiver 800. The signal transmitter 815may allow the first tracking device 402 to transmit a signal to themonitoring station 506 (shown in FIG. 2) and thus transmit location data(such as a longitudinal, latitudinal, and elevation position, anaddress, a nearby landmark, and the like). The signal receiver 801 mayallow the first tracking device 402 to receive the signal from themonitoring station 506 (shown in FIG. 2) to allow the user 504 (shown inFIG. 2) to send a location request by at least one of a telephonecommunication and an electronic message via the Internet.

An input port connector 820 may be connected to the microprocessor/logiccircuit 810 for inputting the stored identification code (firstidentification code) for storage in memory 825. The microprocessor/logiccircuit 810 may be connected to receive operating power from a powersupply 830. The power supply 830 may be any type of battery that issmall enough to fit inside of the tracking device 402. A chargingcircuit 835 may be connected to the power supply 830 for recharging thepower supply. The charging circuit 835, for example, may be a chargingcircuit such that an external magnetic battery recharger may providerecharging electricity to the charging circuit 835 for recharging thepower supply 830 whenever the power falls below a predetermined level.

A power level sensor 836 may be connected between the power supply 830and the microprocessor/logic circuit 810 for sensing the power level ofthe power supply 830 and providing the sensed power level to themicroprocessor/logic circuit 810. The microprocessor/logic circuit 810may generate a power level signal to be transmitted with the signaltransmitted.

FIG. 6A, 6B are a logical flow diagrams illustrating one exemplaryembodiment of a method 900 for locating an individual or an object inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. This methodis based on components previously discussed in FIGS. 2 a-d and 3.

As shown in one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6A, a location requestsent from a monitoring station is received at an activated trackingdevice (S901). Upon recognizing a user identification code (S902), theactivated tracking device's positional coordinates are provided (S903).A rendering of the activated tracking device is placed on a map; the mapdepicts the activated tracking device's position relative to a userdesignated safe zone.(S904).

As shown in another embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6B, the trackingdevice is activated (S908). A monitoring station sends a signal and thesignal is received at the tracking device—the signal includes a locationrequest and optionally a user's identification code (S909). The trackingdevice recognizes the user's identification code as a location requestpertaining to the tracking device (S910).

System signal coordinates are being requested (S915). In step S920, alevel of a received signal strength of the positioning satellitecoordinates is determined if it is above a defined value (S920). In oneembodiment, upon the received signal strength being above the definedvalue, a response is formatted and provided for the location requestincluding the positioning satellite coordinates, where the responseincludes location data pertaining to the tracking device (S925). Theresponse is transmitted to a server (S930). The tracking device locationis drawn within a map that comprises a safe zone (S935). The trackingdevice location is drawn within a map using a mapping service, such asthe Kivera Location Engine™ provided by Kivera, Incorporated of Oakland,Calif., in the United States or the MapQuest™ mapping service providedby MapQuest, Incorporated of Denver, Colo., in the United States.

The mapping service may use location data, such as the longitudinal,latitudinal, and elevational position, to provide an address near thelocation tracked (“nearest location address”) comprising a street name,postal code (zip code) or a nearest known landmark. The mapping servicemay then forward the location data to the user 504 (FIG. 2) via themonitoring station 506 (FIG. 2).

The method may further comprise the additional step (S940) of receivinga positioning system signal from a positioning satellite, and a step(S945) of calculating location data from the positioning system signal.The method may further include the step (S950) of receiving a firstgeneral packet radio service signal from a first transmitter/receiverstation.

The method may also include the step (S950) of calculating location datafrom the first general packet radio service signal. The method mayfurther comprise the additional step (S955) of receiving a secondgeneral packet radio service signal from a second transmitter/receiverstation and may comprise calculating location data from the secondgeneral packet radio service signal.

FIGS. 7A, 7B are logical flow diagrams illustrating another exemplaryembodiment of a method for locating an individual or an object inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. This methodis based on components previously discussed in FIGS. 2 a-d and 3.

In FIG. 7A, one embodiment of the method is disclosed. In thisembodiment, a tracking device is associated with an individual or anobject (S1001). A location request is received from a user (S1002).Signals are transmitted to the tracking device from one or morelocations, for example, from a monitoring station, a wireless locationand tracking station, a mobile transceiver, and an adjacent trackingdevice (S1003). Based on signal selection criteria, the tracking deviceat least one signal is selected (S1004). The signal selection criteria,in one example, may be based on signal strength level, availability ofsignal, and/or ownership of a system providing the at least one signal.Location data is determined in part based on the signal selectioncriteria (S1005). The location data is transmitted to the monitoringstation, for example, for further processing (S1006). A user is informedof the location of the tracking device on a map (S1007).

In FIG. 7B, another embodiment of the method for locating an individualor an object is disclosed. In this method, a tracking device isassociated with the individual or the object to be located (S1008). Alocation request is received from a user (S1010). A signal istransmitted from a monitoring station to the tracking device (S1015).Following, a positioning system circuit is activated within the trackingdevice (S1020). A positioning signal strength of a received positioningsystem signal is calculated (S1025). A mobile signal is transmitted froma mobile transceiver to the tracking device (S1030).

A mobile signal strength is calculated of a received mobile signal(S1035). A tracking signal is transmitted from an adjacent trackingdevice (S1040). A tracking signal strength is calculated of a receivedtracking signal (S1045). Determining which of the positioning systemsignal, the received mobile signal, and the received tracking signalmatch a defined signal selection criteria stored in the tracking device(S1050).

Location data is calculated based in part on a signal selected utilizingthe defined criteria (S1055). The location data is transmitted to themonitoring station for analysis to determine a location of the trackingdevice (S1060). A user is informed of the location of the trackingdevice on a map (S1070),It is noted that many variations of the methodsdescribed above may be utilized consistent with the present invention.Specifically, certain steps are optional and may be performed or deletedas desired. Similarly, other steps (such as additional data sampling,processing, filtration, calibration, or mathematical analysis forexample) may be added to the foregoing embodiments. Additionally, theorder of performance of certain steps may be permuted, or performed inparallel (or series) if desired. Hence, the foregoing embodiments aremerely illustrative of the broader methods of the invention disclosedherein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. The foregoing description is of the best mode presentlycontemplated of carrying out the invention. This description is in noway meant to be limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative ofthe general principles of the invention. The scope of the inventionshould be determined with reference to the claims.

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A system comprising: a user interface for providinga tool useful for selecting a portion of and visually cognizablerendering of a selected area, wherein the user interface utilized tocommunicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates ofone or more tracking devices; a first tracking device to receive a firstreply signal from the user interface and to process the first replysignal comprising a first identification signal; a second trackingdevice to receive and verify the first identification signal of thefirst reply signal and upon verification, communicate a secondidentification signal code as part of a second reply signal to the firsttracking device; wherein the first tracking device in response toreceipt of the second reply signal, computes a distance between thefirst and the second devices, and communicated an adjustment signal thatcomprises directional information of the first tracking device relativeto the second tracking device independent of being out-of-range ofminimum number of GPS satellites required to compute the locationcoordinates.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the tool useful forselection a portion of displays one or more selected tracking devicesthat are located a relative distance from the first tracking device; andupon verification of security permissions, provide the user capabilityto utilize the selected tracking devices to assist determining thelocation coordinates of the first tracking device.
 27. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the user interface provides notification function togenerate an alert upon the first tracking device being detected outsideof a safe zone.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the user interfacecomprises a wireless monitoring device that accesses remote userselectable maps in response to computation of the location coordinatesof the first tracking device and the second tracking device.
 29. Thesystem of claim 25, wherein the user interface provides access to userselection criteria to allow a subscriber, remote user, or user to choosea method of determining the location coordinates, the user selectioncriteria selected based on performance characteristics of at least oneof a wireless locating and tracking system and a wireless communicationsystem.
 30. The system of claim 25, wherein the user interface providesinformation on speed of at least one of the first tracking device andthe second tracking device and provides a warning signal to at least oneuser or subscriber when movement of the first tracking device and thesecond tracking device exceeds a designated value.
 31. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the first tracking device or the second trackingdevice switches on in response to low signal detection circuitrydetecting a received signal strength of a positioning signal above adefined threshold.
 32. The system of claim 25, wherein signal strengthof a signal received from a monitoring station, a wireless location andtracking system, a mobile transceiver, and an adjacent tracking deviceis compared to that of selection criteria stored in the first and thesecond tracking devices.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the signalstrength comprises a value below that of a defined value, a first mobilestation signal and a second mobile station signal having respectivepositional coordinates are communicated to at least one of the first andthe second tracking devices; and a positional location of at least oneof the first and the second tracking device utilizing the respectivepositional coordinates upon detection that the first tracking device andthe second tracking device being out-of-range of the GPS positioningsatellites.
 34. The system of claim 25, wherein the adjustment signalbeing communicated upon detection that one of the first tracking deviceand the second tracking device is out-of-range of a sufficient number ofthe GPS positioning satellites to measure the positional information.35. The system of claim 25, wherein the adjustment signal beingcommunicated upon detection that either one or both of the firsttracking device and the second tracking device are out-of-range of asufficient number of the GPS positioning satellites to compute thepositional information.
 36. The system of claim 25, wherein theadjustment signal being communicated upon detection that the firsttracking device and the second tracking device are out-of-range of asufficient number of the GPS positioning satellites to compute thepositional information.